Frederick Leo Bender, 86, of Fort Branch, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2010.

Born March 10, 1924 in Poseyville, he was the son of Henry Valentine and Cecelia (Angermeier) Bender.

He and his wife, Barbara Jean Bender, recently celebrated 61 years of marriage. Fred was a vice president and manager of farms at Emge Packing Co. in Fort Branch for 40 years and was active in farming until a few months ago. He was a member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Fort Branch, where he and his wife, Barbara were recipients of the Bishop Brute Award. He was also a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Jean (Emge) Bender; five children, John F. Bender (Diane) of Evansville, Janet B. Oldham (David) of Princeton, Maryann B. Hubbard (Robert) Of Evansville, Teresa B. Powell (David) of Worthington, Robert M. Bender (Tracey), of Fort Branch; five siblings, Mary Davis, Virginia Beuligmann, Carolyn Blankenberger, Harold Bender, James Bender; 10 grandchildren, Rachel B. Oldham, Jennifer A. Wilson (Lonnie), Justin D. Oldham (Lindsay), Dr. Andrew D. Powell (Nadine), Brian R. Hubbard, Michael J. Powell, Brittany E. Bender, Jessica N. Bender, Thomas J. Bender, Katherine D. Bender; and one great-grandchild, Tyler B. Wilson;

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings, Benjamin Bender, Ivan Bender and Joseph Bender.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 15, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Fort Branch, with the Rev. Anthony Ernst officiating. The body will also lie in state at the church from 9 a.m. until service time on Tuesday. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fort Branch.

Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. Monday, June 14, 2010 at Stodghill Funeral Home on Ind. 168 West in Fort Branch. There will be a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.